Sheffield, August 9, 2024 — A Sheffield man has been handed a suspended prison sentence and banned from keeping animals for a decade after he was caught on a hidden camera violently attacking his pet rabbit. The disturbing footage, which led to the man’s prosecution, shows Andrew West throwing the rabbit to the ground in a fit of anger after the animal allegedly bit him.
The video, recorded in the bedroom of West’s residence on Adrian Crescent, Southey Green, reveals a grey lop-eared rabbit named Milo being picked up roughly by its neck before being forcefully thrown. Despite the rabbit’s desperate attempts to hide, West is seen handling the animal with increasing aggression, ultimately resulting in Milo’s death.
The Royal Society for Preventing Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) received the footage and initiated an investigation. According to the footage, West, 30, can be heard saying, “You’re never going to hurt me again, do you understand?” before flinging the rabbit onto the floor. Milo was later found dead, with a postmortem indicating the presence of E cuniculi, a brain infection that can cause severe neurological damage.
At Sheffield Magistrates Court on July 26, West pleaded guilty to a charge under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. He was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and was prohibited from owning animals for ten years. In addition, he must complete 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days, perform 150 hours of unpaid community work, and pay £400 in costs.
Veterinary experts who reviewed the footage described West’s actions as “ruthless and violent,” causing unnecessary suffering to the animal. Despite his claim that he only intended to scare Milo, evidence revealed that he had thrown the rabbit multiple times and handled it aggressively.
West’s defence cited his struggle with severe ADHD and noted his lack of medication at the time of the incident. References presented in court highlighted his otherwise “kind personality” and “love of animals.” During the investigation, West surrendered other small pets, including rabbits, hamsters, and gerbils, which the RSPCA has since rehomed.
RSPCA Inspector Jack Taylor, who worked on the case, expressed relief that justice had been served, stating, “There is never any excuse for treating animals in this cruel and deplorable way. We are pleased that the individual responsible has been held accountable for his actions.”
An undercover camera recorded Andrew West callously tossing his pet bunny to the ground.
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